WHILE energy prices seem to be on an eternal rise, a Burbage church has managed to cut £500 off its latest tariff.

The Rector of Burbage, Canon David Jennings, has revealed that St Catherine’s Church has been sent a bill of 79p for the quarter’s gas bill.

Canon Jennings now hopes to use the money saved from the usually colossal bill to pay for redecorating the church and refitting the lighting system.

“The new underfloor heating system takes heat from the churchyard and pumps the same throughout the church 24 hours a day. This has eliminated all gas bills for heating,” he said.

“Previously, bills exceeded £500 for the winter quarter; the final bill of that quarter was 79p. We were told not to cancel the direct debit!

“It is so much better than the inefficient Victorian heating that we had.

“We’re going to have the interior of the church repainted and install a new lighting system. The painting is quite critical, there was a lot of exposure to the elements when the work was done. We’ve had a quote for that and so the savings on the heating bill will go towards that.”

Canon Jennings said he would be looking to get advice from the diocese about what sort of lighting system would be required and the cost of that.

This Sunday (March 25), the Bishop of Leicester, the Rt Rev Tim Stevens, who is rumoured to be one of the candidates for the next Archbishop of Canterbury, will be taking the morning service at the parish church at 10.30am.

During the service the bishop will dedicate the new church heating system, the new bench pews and new churchwardens’ staves, the latter having been given by churchwarden, Martin Mellor.

“A visit by our bishop is always a very special occasion” said Canon Jennings. “It is especially good that Bishop Tim will dedicate recent important additions to the church.

“Many of the oak pews have been purchased in memory of someone or given as a donation. They are a beautiful addition to the church. The churchwardens’ staves have been made from the same oak as the pews.

“As well as having a renewable energy heating system that keeps the church at a constant temperature, the new stone floor ensures a single level nave ensuring the church is safe, the elimination of radiators also represents a safety consideration and flexible pews guarantee flexibility of usage.

“I hope many parishioners will want to come along to this service with the Bishop of Leicester even though the clocks go forward and an hour’s sleep is lost.”